Scientists believe they may have discovered a new species of beaked whale off the western coast of Mexico.

A team of researchers working with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society first sighted the creatures three weeks ago, 100 miles north of San Benito Islands.

Based on the photographs, video and sound recordings, the experts said they are "highly confident" that the evidence points to a new whale species.

The team said that environmental genetic samples, which were collected at the time of the sighting, are expected to confirm the whales to be a previously unknown species.

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